1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

According to the introduction to the book of 1 Corinthians in the Sourceview Bible, this book was written by the apostle Paul about AD 54 or 55 to Christians in Corinth, an important commercial city in Greece, in order to restore the church.  Paul had started the church in Corinth; however, this church in Corinth was now in great turmoil. 

Strengths of the church in Corinth:  This church was praised for its eloquent words, its knowledge, and its spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 1:5-7).  They were also praised for keeping Paul in their thoughts and for following the teachings he passed on to them (see 1 Corinthians 11:2).

Weaknesses of the church in Corinth:  Division and Quarrels.  Therefore, Paul encouraged them to live in harmony with each other.  He said let there be no divisions in the church.  Rather, he desired them to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (see 1 Corinthians 10-12).  They were still controlled by their sinful desires (1 Corinthians 3:2).  They were deceived.  They thought they were wise by the world’s standards; however, they were not wise by God’s standards (see 1 Corinthians 3:18-20).  They were judgmental, boastful, and proud (see 1 Corinthians 4:6-8). They were arrogant (see 1 Corinthians 4:18-19).  They were engaged in sexual immorality (see example in 1 Corinthians 5:1).  They were not properly judging others within the church (see 1 Corinthians 5:12-13).  They were filing lawsuits against other believers (1 Corinthians 6:1). They were worshiping idols (see 1 Corinthians 10:14).  They were more concerned about themselves than others; therefore, Paul encouraged them to imitate him who was imitating Christ.  Further, he told them to do all things for the glory of God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31-33).  They were enjoying the LORD’s supper without honoring the body of Christ; therefore, they were drinking God’s judgment upon themselves and were now weak and sick (see 1 Corinthians 11:20-30).  The church in Corinth was living according to its sinful nature.  They were prideful.  They were elevating human wisdom above God’s wisdom.

Main Ideas of this Epistle

“God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself.  Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD’” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).  Paul reminded the church in Corinth of who they are.  He reminded them they are cleansed, holy, and right with God (see 1 Corinthians 6:11).  He encouraged them to run from sexual sin!  (see 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).  He reminded them, “The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (11:3). Paul gave instructions regarding marriage – what is appropriate versus what is inappropriate.  Paul encouraged everyone to love another! (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-13) and “Let love be your highest goal!” (see 1 Corinthians 14:1).  He encouraged people to exercise their spiritual gifts (such as speaking in tongues, speaking prophecy, etc) to serve God and to serve each other (see 1 Corinthians 12:7). Paul encouraged the body of Christ to be unified (see 1 Corinthians 12:27-28).

Paul did everything he could to spread the Good News and share in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:23) and he encouraged others to do the same.  He told others to keep the truth such as the truth that Jesus Christ did indeed rise from the dead!  He encouraged them to believe in the truth of Christ’s resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:20).  Paul encouraged others to love God and love each other.

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God loves His people and He desires His people to love God and to love one another.  God desires His people to use their spiritual giftings to strengthen each other.  God desires His people to be unified in the body of Christ.  God desires His people to be right with him, pure and holy, and free from sin.  God desires His people to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.  God desires His people to imitate His Son.  God desires His people to love God and to love one another above all else.